Affiliations 

  • 1 Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah
IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(101):26-27.
MyJurnal

Abstract

Traumatic extradural haematoma (EDH) is a common surgical emergency with huge socio-economic impact. Prompt diagnosis and management are key for patient survival and good outcome. Considering that neurosurgical units are mostly only available in tertiary centres, it is a challenge for non-neurosurgical centres to transport patient to the nearest neurosurgical unit for emergency surgery, which may be of significant distance away, hence, a delay in surgery. General surgery units are more widely available and general surgeons are trained to competently manage patients with EDH. Referring to the nearest general surgery unit for emergency surgery for EDH can be life-saving and avoid delay in surgery. There is a lack of study regarding outcome of patients with EDHoperated by general surgeons, hence the aim of this study to investigate in this regard. To determine the post-operative functional outcome of patients with extradural haematoma in a non-neurosurgical centre, and compare the outcome with other centres. Materials andMethods: This study was a retrospective review of records of all post-operative patients operated in HOSHAS for traumatic EDH in year 2017. Sample were obtained from 2017 General Surgery Department operative census in HOSHAS. Data were obtained from patient admission records using a proforma. Documented patient post-operative functional status was classified as per Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Data were analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 11 patient data were collected. Mean age of the study population is 27. All samples were male patients. Road traffic accident was the main mode of injury (82%). Seven patients had GCS on arrival of 9 to 12 (64%), while 4 patients had severe brain injury on arrival (36%). All except 1 patient with moderate brain injury (GCS on arrival 9-12) recovered well post-operatively. As for patients with severe brain injury on arrival (GCS 3-8), only half of the patients had complete recovery post operatively. Most of the patients (73%) had good post-operative recovery (GOS 4-5). One patient died (GOS 1) and another ended up in vegetative state (GOS 2). The post-operative outcome in this study is comparable to other studies done in neurosurgical unit. Conclusion: The functional outcomes of traumatic EDH patients operated by general surgeons in HOSHAS are similar to those in neurosurgical centre.